Bothy
Camasunary
Camasunary sits on the east side of the bay between Elgol and the Black Cuillin on Skye, about 1km from the site of the old bothy (MBA). An insulated building sleeping around 15, with no fire or stove.
Quick facts
- Walk-in
- 5 km· 1.5 hrs
- Sleeps
- 15
- Altitude
- 5m
- Condition
- Good condition
- Grid ref
- NG517183
- Maintained by
- Mountain Bothies Association
- Fire / stove
- None
- Water
- Abhainn Camas Fhionnairigh drains into the bay past the bothy. Treat before drinking.
- Mobile signal
- Very limited to none at bothy level. Occasional 1–2 bar possible on higher ground above the bay; not reliable enough to depend on.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead on approachLivestock on approach
Our take
Camasunary might be the most photogenic bothy in Scotland — the Cuillin across the water and a shingle bay out front. It has no fire: bring warm kit, and keep any fire to the beach. It is busy in summer, and the lodge next door is private.
Getting there
The usual approach is the track from Kilmarie on the Elgol road over a low pass to the bay. There is also a coastal path from Elgol, rough and exposed in places, and a long approach from Sligachan down Glen Sligachan.
Nearest parking: Kilmarie on the Elgol road (the usual start), or Elgol
No approach GPX yet
Walked this approach? Share your track to help other bothy-goers.
Stalking season / estate access
Camasunary Estate. Strictly no fishing in the nearby lochs or rivers (MBA). Check stalking before heading onto the hill between mid-August and 20 October.
What to expect inside
Insulated throughout, with a sleeping platform for around 15 and a composting toilet (MBA). There is no stove or fireplace; if you want a fire, light it on the pebble beach. No graffiti; take your rubbish out. Please respect the privacy of the nearby lodge.
Nearby hills
When to visit
Summer weekends are extremely busy — Camasunary is one of Scotland's most popular bothies. Midges in calm summer weather can be ferocious. The coastal approach can be tricky in strong wind. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions.
Wildfire risk — May to October
Dry conditions increase wildfire risk during summer. Never light fires in the open. Use the bothy fireplace only, and ensure it is fully out before you leave.
Current conditions
Condition unverified
We have not received a recent visitor report for this bothy. Check the MBA bothy register for current status before relying on this bothy as shelter.
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:26
- Sunset
- 16:51
- Civil dawn
- 06:45
- Civil dusk
- 17:31
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Share your experience
Stayed at Camasunary? Help other walkers plan their visit.
Stock up at Portree
Nearest TripSCOT town for food, fuel, and accommodation if the bothy is busy.
Camasunary — common questions
- What's the approach to Camasunary like?
- The walk-in runs 5km from Kilmarie on the Elgol road (the usual start), or Elgol — about 1.5 hours at a steady walking pace. The usual approach is the track from Kilmarie on the Elgol road over a low pass to the bay.
- Is there a fire at Camasunary?
- There is no fire or stove at Camasunary. Cook on your own stove and pack warm evening layers.
- How many people does Camasunary sleep?
- Camasunary sleeps about 15. No bookings — it's first-come-first-served and you should expect company. Carry a tent as backup for busy weekends.
- Is there water at Camasunary?
- Abhainn Camas Fhionnairigh drains into the bay past the bothy. Treat before drinking.
- When can I visit Camasunary?
- Best months: May, June, July, August, September. Camasunary Estate. Strictly no fishing in the nearby lochs or rivers (MBA). Check stalking before heading onto the hill between mid-August and 20 October.
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